Abbott’s Border Farce comes to – then leaves – Melbourne

Greens Federal Member for Melbourne Adam Bandt MP today celebrated the cancelling of the Australian Border Force’s Operation Fortitude set to take place in Melbourne this weekend and said the bungle was just another sign of Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s incompetence.

“Melbourne has run Tony Abbott's ugly politics out of town,” Mr Bandt said.

“Operation Border Farce came to our city and was just as quickly shown the door."

"This morning we heard that the Border Force planned to station their officers around the CBD and ask questions of any individual they cross paths with, demanding to see people's papers.”

“This was extremely concerning and threatened Melbourne's reputation as a welcoming city.”

“But within hours, Melburnians came together and stood up to Tony Abbott and his politics of division.”

“The community has sent the message that Melbourne is not a place where a government officer can stop you in the street and demand to see your papers because you’re suspected of being a foreigner.”

We respectfully acknowledge the Wurundjeri as the Traditional Owners of this country, pay tribute to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and give respect to the Elders past, present and emerging.